MARKETS REMAIN CALM AS WE ENTER 2016: RSBL

 By Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, MD, RSBL

Firstly wishing you all a very happy new year. 

 

To begin with, United States, Europe, Japan and many other countries remained shut on account of New Year's Day and  hence markets were calm and serene market with volatility to its minimum.

Whatever fluctuation came in was mainly due to two reasons:

In the international market it was the data released from the US and in the domestic market it was the weakening rupee against the dollar.

Gold prices were also supported as weaker than expected economic data from United State likely to spurt safe haven demand for the yellow metal . Data released from the US was as follows-

• On Thursday, government data showed that the number ofmAmericans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose sharply last week, a potential signal the job market was losing steam
•  Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 20,000 to a Seasonally adjusted 287,000 for the week ended Dec 26.
• US Chicago Purchasing Managers Index in December month fell to 42.9 compared to analysts' expectation of 49.8 and 48.7 a month ago, government data showed on Thursday.
• SPDR Gold Trust holdings dropped by 0.18% i.e. 1.19 tons to 642.37 tons on Thursday compared to 643.56 tons in previous trading day.
• After the SPDR Gold Trust reported outflows on Thursday, the harp gain in yellow metals was subdued as this outflow created a weak investment sentiment for gold on the market.

Gold prices fluctuated on Friday after the Indian rupee weakened against the dollar and on Exchange Trade Funds (ETFs) outflow, indicating subdued investment demand. Prices of the bullion were supported after the Indian rupee weakened against the dollar, denting prospects of higher imports. At 1:40PM dollar/rupee traded at Rs 66.21/$1 compared to previous close of Rs 66.15/$1.

Gold prices were also supported as weaker than expected economic data from United State likely to spurt safe haven demand for the yellow metals.

Prices of the precious metal were also supported by thin trading volumes as financial markets in United States, Europe, Japan and many other countries are shut on account of New Year's Day.

In short, Gold prices were supported by weak local currency while subdued investment demand capped the gain.


Now as we welcome 2016 with a bang we hope it has lots in store for the global economies and for the yellow metal precisely.

The primary purpose of this blog by Prithviraj Kothari - MD, RSBL, is to educate the masses of the current happenings in the Bullion world.

- Previous blog -

"Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, (MD, RSBL), makes gold price prediction for the year 2016

http://riddisiddhibullionsltd.blogspot.in/2016/01/mr-prithviraj-kothari-md-rsbl-makes.html 

Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme by India & FED Rate Hike - Timing Matters: RSBL!

- Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, Managing Director, RSBL

Rather than talking about International Bullion, I am glad to put forward the decision of Government of India, in consultation with Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds. A welcome move by Government of India, after their announcement during the Budget. The best part of this is:

1. The investors will be compensated at a fixed rate of 2.75% per annum payable semi-annually on the initial value of investment. This a good interest rate that their offering as compared to the policy that they issued a decade back. For Indians who purchase Gold with a traditional respect can now get a chance to earn a fixed interest rate along with the benefit of Price appreciation.
2. Minimum permissible investment will be 2 units (i.e. 2 grams of gold. With already a wave of new bank accounts being opened due to Jan Dhan Yojna, this minimum permissible investment gives an added advantage to reach the masses who can invest as low as 2 grams.

My personal feeling is that the scheme would be a huge success with the financial, safety implications that have been covered in alternative to holding physical gold at home.

I am sure Sovereign Gold Bonds shall raise a new chapter in Indian Bullion Industry.

As mentioned in my previous Blogs, Gold is still a sell on rallies. The physiological level s US$1200 is yet to be broken convincingly if we talk about it on a technical front. Fundamentally, lower the price the better the buying opportunity.

The data dependent week for gold finished in the prices in red as investor sentiment eroded due to uncertainty in US monetary policy.

On Wednesday, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) chose not to increase the federal funds rate but it did remove the prior concern over global growth and volatility. This was largely interpreted in the market as hawkish, signaling higher rates from the Federal Open Market Committee’s December 15-16 meeting.

I do feel that you would be a bit confused that if FED is not increasing the interest rates, it is good signs for Bullion as the safe heaven appeal rises due to uncertainties in economy. But the December meeting is the most anticipated one. There has been growth in US economy and as the FED says it has been moderately paced. But they cannot go on throughout their time with negative interest rates. The timing is crucial and that is where the whole delay is. So the rates increase has already priced in Gold poor show. The spot gold price was last at $1,1141.40/1,141.90 per ounce, down $5.70 on Thursday’s close. Silver prices followed the Gold fall where the last recorded price was $15.57/15.62.

RSBL SPOT Gold Price

Some of the important data released this week weren’t meeting the expectation of FED:

1. A Negative Advance GDP q/q print of 1.5% instead of 1.6% was a small hiccup for US economy.
2. CB consumer confidence in US showed a gloomy picture of 97.6 instead of 102.5
3. Core Durable Goods Orders m/m for US posted a negative performance too of -0.4% instead of 0.0%

US data releases between now and mid-December will be viewed as crucial but a major obstacle for the US central bank’ policy-setting board will be a key few who believe inflation should reach – or at least approach – the Fed’s target of two percent before a lift-off. Though a part of the FOMC wants to hold off until 2016, Fed chair Janet Yellen has said repeatedly she would prefer to rise the federal funds rate this year despite poor inflation and the tepid US economic recovery.

A rate hike this December would weigh on gold and given the recent gains in positioning could mean a deeper correction than would have been otherwise. A drop in gold prices would mean a good buying opportunity for physical buyers in China who need to stock up for the Lunar New Year festivities. Though the festival falls in the second half of February, people might advance their purchases if a dip in gold prices is witnessed.

Investors will now, desperately, await the December meeting for a potential normalization of monetary policy. Expectations in financial markets about a possible rate hike by the Fed this year are low, but a Fed rate hike is not completely priced out yet.

US data releases between now and the December 16 FOMC meeting will likely be very important as market participants try to gauge the health of the economy and whether or not a potential move in December would be justified. The Fed is ‘data dependent’ and there shall be a great deal of new information that shall be released between now and the December meeting, much of which shall have to turn for the better if the Fed is going to act

Technical Range for Gold price and Silver price next week:

METAL	International price range	Domestic price range
Gold	$1126 - $1177 per ounce	INR 26100 – INR 27000 per 10gm
Silver	$14.47 - $16.20 per ounce	INR 35200 – INR 38500 per Kg

The primary purpose of this blog by Prithviraj Kothari - MD, RSBL, is to educate the masses of the current happenings in the Bullion world.

- Previous blog -
" GOLD LOSES DIRECTION: RSBL"
http://riddisiddhibullionsltd.blogspot.in/2015/10/gold-loses-direction-rsbl.html 

GOLD LOSES DIRECTION: RSBL

By Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, MS RSBL

Amidst continued uncertainty regarding the Fed’s monetary policy, gold has off late, lost direction. 

It was moving in the positive territory. But on Friday, but gold erased intra-day gains, closing down on the day and lower on the week. The yellow metal yielded to pressure from a strong rally in the U.S. dollar.

The dollar gained ground, especially versus the Euro, following this week's European Central Bank meeting that hinted at further monetary easing this year. The dollar also garnered additional strength in the wake of interest rate cuts by the People's Bank of China (PBOC) on Friday. 

Some market analysts feel that the overnight monetary policy action by the Chinese central bank has created some mixed sentiments in the market. Moreover, before China’s announcement, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced that it is leaving the door open for more quantitative easing measures or even pushing the deposit rate deeper into negative territory in December.

Gold was a little changed on Thursday afternoon in London after the ECB decided to leave the rates unchanged.

The spot gold price was last seen trading in the range of $1,162.8 to $1,172.0.

Adding to the sentiments, was data indicators coming in from US: 

•  US weekly unemployment claims rose by 3,000, to 259,000 in the week ending October 17, 2015. However, they were below the forecast of 265,000 and under the psychologically important 300,000 mark.

• The House Price Index (HPI) for August came lower than expected at 0.3 percent as did CB leading index at -0.2 percent.

•  Existing home sales were better than expected at 5.55 million.

Now that we have some crucial data coming in next week, not only from the US but other leading and developing economies as well, some analysts feel the Federal Reserve is losing its dominance in the marketplace.

Gold traders are bracing for a heavy slate of U.S. economic releases next week, along with key central bank meetings from the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan. The focus could be on BoJ that meets next week and there is a growing expectation that it will announce new easing measures, which are expected to remain steady.

Moreover, the central bank is also slated to release its Outlook Report with forecasts for inflation and the GDP. 

Meanwhile in the domestic market, we saw a sluggish demand for gold. Following the nine-day Hindu festival of Navratri, India celebrated Dussehra on Thursday where demand for gold usually rises as people consider it auspicious to buy gold on this day.

But, a slow and easing demand for gold further declined the prices even though globally gold prices were rising.

The fourth quarter is typically a strong period for gold purchases in India, the world’s second biggest bullion consumer, due to festivals and weddings.

Demand from rural areas has been hit particularly hard, as farmers suffer from the first back-to-back drought in India in three decades.

Two-thirds of gold demand in India comes from farmers and residents of small villages who see jewellery as way to store wealth. But lower-than-normal monsoon rainfall this year due to El Nino weather pattern has eroded rural incomes.

One of the most awaited meetings of the Fed, due on October 27-28, could turn out to be a non-event for gold traders as markets speculate a delay in interest rate hike. The Fed's statement will be released on Wednesday and there is no press conference associated with this meeting. 

Apart from the Fed policy, traders are also monitoring the U.S. debt-ceiling situation. The U.S. federal government is moving closer to the deadline where it needs to raise the nation's $18.1 trillion borrowing limit.

The important reports coming in next week are:

·         Monday: Home Sales

·         Tuesday: Durable goods and consumer confidence

·         Thursday: Third quarter GDP and pending homes sales

·         Friday: The core PCE index on Friday. 

Next week's main event:

These events may provide clues of economic strength and inflation that could support potential for a Fed rate hike in December. 

The primary purpose of this article by Mr. Prithviraj Kothari is to educate the masses of the current happenings in the Bullion world.

- Previous blog-
"Data- Dependent Gold: RSBL"
http://riddisiddhibullionsltd.blogspot.in/2015/10/data-dependent-gold.html
 

GOLD DIRECTIONLESS: RSBL

By Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, MD, RSBL

 

The world economies are tumbling. Greece is trying to get more days…Chinese economy is foundering and there us downside pressure on the US markets too. A collapsing economy directly means that the money flocks to gold. But the markets have something else to say.

The precious-metals sector is enduring losses for the third straight week. Gold has also rallied yet remains dangerously close to making a new weekly low for the bear market.
The metals opened lower on Monday in the shadow of the Greek ‘no’ vote but ended the day mixed with average losses of one percent.

Precious metals closed down 0.7 percent on Monday, with gold holding value at $1,169.20 while on Wednesday, gold was last up $4.60 closed at $1162/ 1162.80 an ounce.
Precious metals prices moved away from recent lows in trading on Thursday morning after Fed minutes failed to provide a clearer picture on when the normalization of US monetary policy might begin.

There is more than one factor that is collectively responsible for the movement in gold prices. Let’s take a detailed look at them.

Greece- In Greece, negotiations will continue over the weekend after Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras presented a proposal that accepts many of initial cuts introduced at a June 26 meeting.
Investors seem to believe this latest chapter in the multi-year negotiations process will end in Greece remaining in the Eurozone – the euro was last up 0.8 percent to 1.1130 against the dollar.

The uncertainty over Greek debt crisis boosted the dollar, dampening demand for the precious metal as an alternative investment.
A $60 billion bailout plan is headed to the Greek parliament. It includes most of the austerity measures Europe has insisted upon and the gross dollar amount of the bailout is slightly higher. We shall see next week what happens and how it affects markets.


FOMC and Interest Rate Hike- “Based on my outlook, I expect that it will be appropriate at some point later this year to take the first step to raise the federal funds rate and thus begin normalizing monetary policy,” Yellen said in her speech in Cleveland.

“But I want to emphasize that the course of the economy and inflation remains highly uncertain, and unanticipated developments could delay or accelerate this first step,” she added.

US, Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen predicted the timeframe for the initial interest rate hike, but also provided a hedge regarding the importance on inflation.
Friday, Yellen said, in a speech at an event in Cleveland, that she still expects interest rates to rise later this year but also acknowledged factors that continue to hold back the U.S. economy, including potential foreign threats.

China- GOLD BULLION prices rose Thursday against all major currencies, recovering all but $1 of the week's earlier $20 drop per ounce against the US Dollar as world stock markets gained following a hard bounce in China's main equity indices.

With trading still halted in around half the shares listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets, the CSI300 index of the biggest companies closed 6.7% higher after the last 3 week's near one-third collapse.

No one knows where is gold is heading. Presently there is no call for safe haven investments beyond the solid currencies, namely the dollar, yen and Swiss franc.
Global market tensions may ease out next week with Greece expected to find some resolution to its ongoing credit crisis and Chinese leaders expected to keep a tight grip on equity markets to prevent another major market selloff.

Despite the negative weekly close, optimism is creeping back into the gold market. After five consecutive weekly bearish outlooks, retail investors have finally turned bullish, while market professionals remain mixed.

Nobody would want to buy in an extremely uncertain market. Investors would buy or sell gold once they get a clear signal and know what is happening with the Federal Reserve. The uncertainty in Greece and China is creating a lot of uncertainty and fear because nobody knows what the Fed is going to do.

Apart from the Global markets, there are others things that need to be watched by the investors next week. It’s a big week for US markets economic data.
 

• Markets will receive retail sales data for June
• Regional manufacturing data for July
• Consumer inflation data at the end of the week

However, the highlight will be Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s semi-annual testimony before Congress. She will testify before the house Financial Services Committee Wednesday and the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday.
Market participants are expected to go through her indication extremely careful to find any hints on when the central bank will pull the trigger on an interest rate hike.


The primary purpose of this blog by Prithviraj Kothari - MD, RSBL, is to educate the masses of the current happenings in the Bullion world.”

- Previous blog -"Will Gold Create The Safe Haven Magic"

http://riddisiddhibullionsltd.blogspot.in/2015/07/will-gold-create-safe-haven-magic.html

RSBL: A VOLATILE WEEK WAITS FOR GOLD

                                                                  - By Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, MD, RSBL

The week was interesting for gold especially for gold traders and investors, as they enjoyed the doubts surrounding the dramatic and volatile moves which later kept the market wondering whether the yellow metal will be bullish or bounce back from its high prices.

Last Monday’s price action promised much, promptly reversing the previous Friday’s losses and surging back above the resistance level at $1190 per ounce to close at $1203.20 per ounce. This bullish sentiment continued into Tuesday, albeit on dropping volume with the price action just managing to breach the resistance at $1210 per ounce, thereby giving longer term investors hope this could be the start of some sort of retrieval.

However, Wednesday’s price action was unable to follow through, before Thursday’s dramatic move when the gold bears once again took control, sending gold prices hitting through the $1190 per ounce support region, accompanied by high volume and validating the move lower.

Friday’s price action followed through with further selling, but on lower volume as the platform of support in the $1174 per ounce region was duly tested before gold closed the week at $1174.50 per ounce. Spot gold was last at $1,171.70/1,172.60 per ounce, down $11.50 on the previous session’s close and around intraday lows – it struck its cheapest since March 20 at $1,170.20 earlier. 

The precious metals’ moves may have been worsened as parts of China, India and parts of Europe were absent for May Day holidays.

But there is a bullish sentiment for gold in the market. SPDR Gold trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings rose 0.32 percent to 741.75 tonnes on Friday.

Currently, Equities seem to be in a bubble zone and are prone to devaluation. In such case there is a chance that both Wall Street and world stock markets will tumble down especially when there is clarity on signs that the Fed is beginning to tighten-up its current zero interest-rate policy – and this could be the spark that triggers a resumption of the long-term bull market in gold.  

Factors that support this bullish sentiments are-

• Persian Gulf Crisis
• Russian- Ukraine escalating tensions in Europe
• Greece default
• Increase in demand for gold as a safe haven appeal keeping in mind the above mentioned points

Thus yet another volatile week waits for gold as investors and traders prepare for April’s employment report on Friday. Volatility will be an important factor for the gold market next week and the ones that will be actively creating volatile situations are:
 

Employment Report: Currently there are expectations in the market that the U.S may have created 210,000 jobs in April. If it so happens then gold prices are expected to remain near the bottom end of their current range and if employment comes in above 200,000 then prices could fall below current support.

Other Data: Although the biggest data report will come at the end of the week, ahead of the employment report, markets will receive ISM non-manufacturing data on Tuesday and private company employment data from ADP Wednesday.

Britain: Apart from the key economic indicators coming in from U.S, there are chances that Britain’s federal elections on May 7 could have an impact on gold markets is the results show a majority for Conservatives, who have said that if they win they will hold an referendum on its membership to the European Union by 2017. Analysts have noted that a Britain’s exit from the EU could pose a threat to the euro, which would create safe-haven demand for gold prices. Currently polls show a close race between Britain’s federal parties.

Reassessment of economic prospects – and revised financial-market expectations of Fed policy – sometime in the next few months could support a spring-summer recovery in the price of gold, lifting the yellow metal up and out of its recent trading range.

  
Until that happens, gold prices will likely remain “range-bound” in the short term, perhaps through midyear or longer, trading mostly between a floor price of $1,175 and a ceiling around $1,225.  

As these boundaries are approached or briefly broached, technical traders will continue to step in as buyers or sellers, respectively, keeping the yellow metal’s price relatively stable within this range.  

Despite some disagreement among the voting members of the Fed’s FOMC policy-setting committee, the Fed will likely honor its pledge not to begin easing up on interest rates until the economy shows clear signs of a continuing and sustainable expansion. 

TRADE RANGE

METAL	INTERNATIONAL	DOMESTIC
GOLD	$1163-$1207 an ounce	Rs.26,500- Rs.27,300 per 10g
SILVER	$15.73-$16.48 an ounce	Rs.35,000- Rs.38,000 per kg

 

“The primary purpose of this blog by Prithviraj Kothari - MD, RSBL, is to educate the masses of the current happenings in the Bullion world.”

- Previous blog -

"RSBL: Friendly News ....But Gold Fails To Ignite"

http://riddisiddhibullionsltd.blogspot.in/2015/04/rsbl-friendly-newsbut-gold-fails-to.html